SSRG International Journal of Economics and Management Studies (SSRG-IJEMS) – volume3 issue5 Sep to Oct 2016
Economic Impact of Thermal Pollution on
Agriculture and Allied Activiteis - A Study
on Ktps, Palvoncha, Telangana State
1
Srinivasa Rao Chintala, 2Prof.M.Koteswara Rao
1
2
Research Scholar, Department of Economics, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur-522 510, A.P. India.
Dean- CDC (College Development Counsel), Department of Economics, Acharya Nagarjuna University,
Guntur-522 510, A.P., India.
ABSTRACT
The present study examines the economic
impact of thermal pollution on agriculture and
allied activities. The study was conducted in the
geographical area that comes under the polluted
zone of Kothagudem Thermal Power Station at
Palvoncha, Khammam District. The sample was
drawn from the respondents of selected villages
around the thermal power plant. The sample
drawn for the study was
150. Descriptive
research design was adopted for the present study
and data was collected through scheduled
method. Multi-stage sample technique was used in
order to collect the sample. Statistical tools like
Cross tabulation, Frequency counts, averages and
ANOVA were applied to analyze the data. The
results reveal that the thermal pollution had a
significant and adverse impact on agricultural
productivity and allied activities of the farming
community in the study area.
KEY WORDS: Agriculture, Allied activities,
Thermal Pollution, productivity.
INTRODUCTION
The industrialization spews out large
amount of wastes on planet .These wastes are
the byproducts of industrial goods. In contrast
to natural processes where everything Gets
transformed into some form or other within a
certain period , these Industrial leftovers have
accumulated in the atmosphere, on earth and in
water bodies. Broadly speaking, ultimately,
they interfered with various food chains
affecting all biological life-trees , birds, etc…
and finally man himself. This has been the
worldwide
phenomenon
wherever
industrialization has taken place.
The problem of industrial waste
management challengers us , as a society , to take
as much care for present and succeeding
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generation as for those in the distant future .It is
increasingly becoming clear that the sources and
causes of population are far more defused,
complex, and inter-related, and efforts of
population are more wide spread, cumulative and
chronic. The challengers are both inter-dependent
and integrated , requiring comprehensive
approaches and popular participation .These
challengers derive as much from the extraordinary
institutions ( and perhaps technical ), design
problems of dealing with waste materials as from
the socio-economic implications of such
interventions .Yet most of the institutions facing
these challengers tend to be independent, working
to relatively narrow
mandates with closed
decision processes .While the real world of inter
locked economic and ecological systems will not
change, the policies and institutions must. The one
great institutional flow is government’s failure to
cope with environment , development challengers
and to make the bodies whose policies action
degrade the environment responsible for ensuring
that there policies prevent that degradation. Many
government’s have established environmental
ministries and agencies to clean up the mess .But
the narrow mandates of these agencies could not
cope up with the challengers comprehensively.
Thus the social properties of a pollution
management continue to present unprecedented
theoretical and methodological challengers for the
social science community and especially for the
economic analysts.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The environmental consequences of
rapid industrialization have resulted in countless
incidents of land, air and water resources sites
being contaminated with toxic materials and other
pollutants, threatening humans and ecosystems
with serious health risks. More extensive and
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SSRG International Journal of Economics and Management Studies (SSRG-IJEMS) – volume3 issue5 Sep to Oct 2016
intensive use of materials and energy has created
cumulative pressures on the quality of local,
regional and global ecosystems.
Among recognized scientists and
scholars, there are generally two schools of
thought when it comes to the effects of thermal
pollution. Some lean on the side of the negatives
of this pollution on marine ecosystems and how it
is detrimental to positive environmental practices.
However, some lean towards the side that without
these industries operating the way they do, then
some of the most basic parts of human life would
be completely obsolete. Waste water would not be
able to be properly maintained, we would have no
industries that could produce the goods we need,
and so on. The effects of thermal pollution on
ecosystems, however, greatly outweigh the
benefits that industries have by participating in the
act. Above all else, the most important thing to
consider is that the effects of thermal pollution
greatly outweighs the human need for it to be
done.
NEED FOR THE STUDY
Many surveys show that thoughtless
and
haphazard
industrialization
causes
environmental degradation that brings changes
in material conditions and has very serious
implications for physical , mental(health) ,
economic and social well being of the people
which in turn leads to changes in their behavior
pattern, social structure and culture.
There is a need to carry-out economic
and environmental studies to understand the
implications of industrialization in various
domains- pollutions, productions, forest culture,
agriculture and allied activity followed by
social life in general.
For the purpose of present study the
geographical areas (selected mandals) in the
vicinity of KothagudemThermal Power Station
(KTPS), Palvoncha, Khammam District of
Telangana State.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Klaus Michael Meyer – Abick’s book (1993) was
revolutionary, in which he states that there should
be a radical change in the perception of nature.
The environment is not a resource for humans,
since it and we are equally parts of nature’s
whole. He held the opinion that we cannot harm
the rest of this whole – the ‘co-natural world’,
without harming ourselves. This book explains his
holistic
alternative
to
the
‘incomplete
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enlightenment’ of the dominant western world
view. Michael Jochin (1981), examined the
relationships between cultural behavior and it’s
environmental context.
There is another important book by
Pancavati (1992) that highlights the Indian
thinking regarding environment. The most
notable features of Indian Civilisation are it’s
antiquity, continuity and vitality. Indian sages and
seers from the beginning recognized the vital
importance of maintaining the ecological balance
for the general welfare of mankind as well as for
all other beings in the universe. They advocated
an integrated approach to progress aimed at
harmonious development, so that there is no
undue exploitation of natural resources. Apart
from sociological effects due to environmental
changes due to the production of energy from
different sources, there are many economists who
concentrate on not only energy, but also it’s
effects on environment. Nowadays, people are not
in a position to keep quiet when environmental
pollution is involved in the production of not only
energy but also in any other economic activity. In
the year 1976, Narinder Singh wrote a book
‘Economics and the Crisis of Ecology’, in which
he expressed his ideas. He opined that
development and environment have become
increasingly intertwined. Mason Willrich (1978),
in his book offered a comprehensive and yet
incisive introduction to the political, economic
and environmental aspects of global energy
problems.
There is a growing realization among
developing nations, of the ecological dimensions
of development. Since ecological system is
complex, it cannot be ignored in future strategies
of development. In the book ‘Energy and
Security’, the shortcomings of Non – proliferation
Treaty of 1967 were shown clearly and the
authors dealt with the after effects of oil crisis of
1973. The problems of resource depletion,
pollution and environmental amenity had,
perhaps, not been given previously as much
attention as they warranted. Boulding has argued
that recognition of the fact that the economic
system is embedded within a larger eco-system,
call for a fundamental re-appraisal of the basic
concepts and analytical methods of economists. In
his paper ‘The Economics of the coming
Spaceship earth’ he said the spaceship economy
thinking is appropriate than cowboy economy
thinking. When the construction of nuclear plants
escalated and oil production possibilities looked
bleak in future, the demand and dependence on
coal became too heavy. Energy analysis is not
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SSRG International Journal of Economics and Management Studies (SSRG-IJEMS) – volume3 issue5 Sep to Oct 2016
viewed as a substitute for economic analysis, but
as a complement to it.
At present we have a society seemingly
dependent on a staggering variety and quantity of
chemicals and an environment suffused with
harmful chemical agents. They are released in the
manufacture and use of plastics, paints, cleaners,
water disinfectants, construction materials,
pesticides, fertilizers, dyes, preservatives, fire
retardants, batteries, brake linings, fabrics, food
additives, cigarettes, drugs and many other
products. Other widespread technological
activities also have serious implications for
chemically induced Cancer, Heart and Respiratory
diseases. They include lead and copper smelting,
Coke Oven emissions, radiation and combustion
of fossil fuels in automobiles, power plants and
the like. As a result of these myriad exposures, the
throat, the lungs, the intestines, kidney, liver,
heart, bold and genes are all subject to excessive
Test Applied: ANOVA
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Data Type
Data collection techniques
Sampling method
Sample size
Sampling area
Nature of sampling organization
No.of organizations selected for the study
Geographical location of the sampling units
Statistical tools applied for analytical study
Dimensions examined
stress, infection, poisoning, cancers, genetic
mutations and birth defects. But the resistance of
the body became far less to the present pollution
in the environment.
OBJECTIVES
1. To analyze the effects of thermal
pollution on agriculture in the select
study area
2. To analyze the effects of thermal
pollution on allied activities of
agriculture in the select study area
3. To suggest certain policy measures on
the basis of the findings of the study
HYPOTHESIS: (Alternate Hypothesis)
Ha1 : Thermal pollution has a significant
impact on agricultural and allied
activities in the select area for the
study.
Descriptive Research design
Both primary and secondary
Schedule Method (Structured)
(Questionnaire + Interview)
Probability SamplingMulti-stage
Random Sampling method
150
Selected villages around KTPS, Palvoncha
Thermal Power Station
(Power Generation Units)
1
Khammam District of Telangana State
Cross tabulation, Frequency counts, averages and
ANOVA
Agricultural patterns and Allied activities.
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETITION
TABLE – 1: AGE COMPOSITION OF SAMPLE RESPONDENTS
Age
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
21-30 years
1
.7
.7
31-40 years
6
4.0
4.7
41-50 years
43
28.3
33.0
>50 years
100
67.0
100.
Total
150
100.0
Table – 1 gives details about the age composition of sample respondents. One hundred (100) out of 150
respondents come under the age group of above 50 years constituting 67 percent of the total respondents.
This shows that majority respondents are well aware of environmental status before industry and changes
in the environment after industry and adverse impact of Thermal pollution.
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SSRG International Journal of Economics and Management Studies (SSRG-IJEMS) – volume3 issue5 Sep to Oct 2016
TABLE – 2 : CASTE COMPOSTITION OF SAMPLE RESPONDENTS
Castes
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
BC
76
51.0
51.0
SC
15
9.7
60.7
ST
50
33.0
93.7
OC
9
6.3
100.0
Total
150
100.0
Source : Field study.
Table 2 Explains the caste composition. Out of total (150) respondents, 76 respondents belong
to B.C community, constituting 51 percent of the total respondents. S.T. community respondents forming
33 percent of the total respondents standing next to B.C community (51 percent). This shows the
magnitude of the damage caused to BC community due to pollution in this area.
Sex
Male
Female
Total
TABLE – 3: SEX COMPOSITION OF SAMPLE RESPONDENTS
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
147
98.3
98.3
3
1.7
100.0
150
100.0
TABLE-4 MARITAL STATUS OF SAMPLE RESPONDENTS
Status
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
Married
150
100.0
100.0
Source : Field study.
Table -3 and 4 explain marital status and sex composition of respondents All the respondents are
married and 98 percent are male.
TABLE -5 EDUCATIONAL STATUS OF SAMPLE RESPONDENTS
Education
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
Illiterate
82
54.3
54.3
Primary
44
29.0
83.3
Secondary
21
14.0
97.3
Higher
3
2.7
100.0
Total
150
100.0
Source : Field study.
Table -.5 presents the analysis of educational status of sample respondents. Eighty two (82)
respondents out of 150 are illiterates. They constitute 54.3 percent of the total respondents . The
percentage of respondents who have primary and secondary education are 29.0 percent and 14 percent
respectively. The number of respondents who has higher education is only 3 and their percentage to total
respondents is just 2.7. This shows that the majority of the respondents are illiterates.
Years
of
Stay
Respondents
21-30Yrs
31-40Yrs
Above 41 Yrs
Total
TABLE-6.YEARS OF STAY OF RESPONDENTS
of Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
3
7
140
150
1.7
4.7
93.7
100.0
1.7
6.3
100.0
Source ; Field study.
Table – 6 describes how long the respondents have been living/ staying in this area. The
percentage of respondents who have been living for more than 40 years is 93percent. The percentage of
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SSRG International Journal of Economics and Management Studies (SSRG-IJEMS) – volume3 issue5 Sep to Oct 2016
respondents who come under the age group of above 40 years constitutes 95 percent (table-1). This shows
that all the respondents have been living in this area since their birth.
TABLE -7 INCOME PARTICULARS OF RESPONDENTS PER ANNUM(in Rs)
Income
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
Below Rs 11000
Rs 12000-15000
Rs 16000-20000
Above Rs 20000
Total
40
58
39
13
150
27.0
38.7
26.0
8.3
100.0
27.0
65.7
91.7
100.0
Table 7 gives income particulars of respondents. Out of 150 respondents 40 respondents have
only below Rs.11000/- income for annum and only 13 respondents belong to the income group of above
Rs.20,000/- per annum. The cumulative percent of the respondents who belong to below 11,000 and
12000 – 15000 income groups is 65.7. This reveals that majority of respondents are poor and have low
living standards
TABLE- 8 CROP WISE YIELD PER ACRE BEFORE AND AFTER BENCHMARKED PERIOD
(in quintals)
Sl.
No
Crop
Number
Acres
Grown
Total yield in
quintals
Before
After
Average yield per
acre in quintals
Before
Total crop
lost/decrease
in quintals
Average
Decrease
per in
quintals
Percentage
decrease
After
1.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
Rice
722 (90.93)
14.68
2745 (94.0)
3.8
20.56
Cotton
38 (4.78)
9.84
7.23
99 (3.39)
2.6
26.42
3
Ground
Nut
Pulses
15 (1.88)
10.6
7.2
3.4
32.07
4.5
3.2
51
(1.74)
25 (0.85)
1.3
28.88
Total
794
10,604
(95.97
275
(2.48)
108
(0.97)
62
(0.56)
11,049
(100.0)
18.48
2
13,349
(95.56)
374
(2.67)
159
(1.13)
87 (0.62)
4
19 (2.39)
13,969
(100.0)
2920 (100.0)
Source : Field study
Note : Figures in the brackets indicate percentage to total.
Before : 2004. After : 2014.
Table -8, explains acreage of crops grown yield per acre (before and after bench marked years for
a period of 10 years i.e. 2004-2014 to study the pattern of the effect of pollution) and decrease in
productivity of different crops. The total yield is obtained by summing up yielding of all holdings
cultivated under the crop. The average yield per acre is calculated by dividing total yield of all holdings by
number of acres of all holdings of the crop. According to table 8 , rice is grown in 722 acres, which
constitutes 90 percent of the total sample land. The acreage crops of cotton, groundnut and pulses is 38
acres, 15 acres and 19 acres respectively. The average decrease per acre in the yield is 3.8 quintals and the
percentage decrease is 20.56 percent. Similarly the percentage decrease in the yield per acre in case of
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SSRG International Journal of Economics and Management Studies (SSRG-IJEMS) – volume3 issue5 Sep to Oct 2016
cotton crop is 26.42 percent and 32.07 percent and 28.88 percent in case of crops Groundnut and Pulses
respectively. But the rice is grown both in khariff and Rabi seasons and the other crops are grown only
once in a year. More over the acreage of rice crop is also higher than that of all other crops separately and
collectively. Hence it can be perceived that damage caused due to pollution is heavy on the rice crop than
on all other crops.
TABLE -9 CROPPING PATTERN IN THE STUDY AREA
Crop
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative percent
Food crops
109
72.3
72.3
Commercial crops
15
9.6
81.9
Both
26
18.1
100.0
Total
150
100.0
Source : Field study
According to table 9, the number of farmers who are growing food crops is 109 comprising
72.3%. 15 farmers are growing commercial crops comprising 9.6%. 26 respondents are growing both the
crops comprising 18.1%. The commercial crops comprise only cotton and groundnut. It follows from the
above details that, only the rice is dominating the cropping pattern in this area.
TABLE 10 : IMPACT OF POLLUTION ON ALLIED ACTIVITIES OF AGRICULTURE
Impact
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative percent
Dairy
32
21.3
21.3
Poultry
2
1.3
22.7
Live stock
2
1.3
24.0
Dairy and cattle
100
67.0
91.0
No activity
14
9.0
100.0
Total
150
100.0
Source : Field study
Table 10 describes the impact of pollution on the allied activities. It shows that about 21.3
percent respondents were affected by the adverse pact of pollution on the dairy. About 67 percent of
respondents were affected due to the adverse impact of pollution on dairy and cattle rearing activities. It
can be inferred that 91 percent of respondents are affected by the adverse impact of thermal pollution on
allied activities.
TABLE-11 VERIFICATION OF HYPOTHESIS
ANOVA RESULTS
Dimensions
Agriculture
Allied
activities
Agriculture
Error
Total
of
SS
0.08
2.34
MS
0.04
0.80
52.32
54.74
0.74
F-cal
0.06
1.12
P-Value
0.74
0.36
Sig.
0.004
0.000
Result
Sig.
Sig.
Result: The test result shows the positive statistical significance of the above alternate hypothesis (H a1)
and hence the above hypothesis is accepted.
CONCLUSION
The thermal power plants pollution in
the study areas is very severe and affected the
people badly in all spheres of life. The pollution
affected adversely the agriculture and allied
activities. It rendered some people landless,
made some people to give up cattle rearing and
other allied activities, reduced the size of
operational holdings made cultivable lands unfit
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for cultivation. Due to thermal power plants
pollution some people lost their livelihood. The
pollution altered the pattern of land possession,
changed the occupational structure reducing
some farmers from farmers to coolies. Ash pond
polluted ground water making it unfit for
agriculture and domestic uses. Continuous use
of polluted water to irrigate fields resulted in
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SSRG International Journal of Economics and Management Studies (SSRG-IJEMS) – volume3 issue5 Sep to Oct 2016
some lands become barren, decrease in the
productivity of crops.
Hence the remedial measures should
focus on compensating the victimized people,
rationalizing the electricity consumption,
prevention of pollution or arresting/ reducing
pollutants and conservation of wastes into useful
materials.
2.
REFERENCES
6.
1.
Klaus Michael Meyer – Abich, ‘Revolution and
Nature: From the Environment to Co-natural World’,
translated by Mathew Armstrong, The whitehouse
press, Cambridge, U.K. 1993, University of North
Texas Press, Denton, USA, 1993.
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3.
4.
5.
7.
Michael Jochin, ‘Strategies for Survival;Cultural
Behaviour in Ecological context’, Academic Press,
New York, London, Toronto, Sydney, 1981.
Pancavati, ‘Indian Approach to Environment’
translated from Hindi by Asha Vohra’, Sri Vinayaka
Publications, New delhi, 1992.
Narinder Singh, ‘Economics and the Crisis of
Ecology’, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 1976.
Mason Willrich, ‘Energy and World Politiecs’, The
Free Press, A division of Mac Millan, Publishing
Company Inc., New York, 1978.
Gregory Treverston (ed), ‘Energy and Security’
Published by International Institute for Strategic
Studies, Gower Publishing House, England, 1980.
Boulding, K.E. ‘The Economy of the coming spaceship
Earth’ in Jarett. H(ed) Environmental Quality in a
growing Economy, John Hopkins University Press,
Baltimore, 1966.
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